But in a fluid situation, two teams left the St. Regis Hotel with more serious interest than others: The Phillies and Cardinals.

The Rockies have had extensive dialogue with the Phillies over the last year, and are interested in pitchers Carlos Carrasco, J.A. Happ and Rawlings Gold Glove center fielder Shane Victorino, though it's unclear if Philadelphia would make him available as they did last July.

The Cardinals came to these meetings on a fact-finding mission about Holliday. Once it became apparent that the Rockies would consider moving the three-time All-Star without getting pitching in return, the Cardinals increased their pursuit.

O'Dowd dropped a single hint Wednesday that he might be able to get an All-Star in exchange for Holliday. Turns out that is outfielder Ryan Ludwick, who hit 37 home runs last season.

"I am not going to speculate on who we are talking to, but we are looking at all scenarios," O'Dowd said Thursday as he left the annual GM meetings. "It's hard to tell how it's going to turn out."

Carrasco is considered the Phillies' top prospect. He went 9-9 last season in Double-A and Triple-A stops, but posted a 1.72 ERA in Triple-A.

His career marred by injuries, the 30-year-old Ludwick found a home with Cardinals, his third organization. After showing flashes in 2007, Ludwick batted .299 with 137 RBIs last season.

Holliday understands that the Rockies are likely to trade him, bracing for his exit in the coming weeks. Because pitching isn't a prerequisite in a deal, there are other teams that can't be discounted in the Holliday sweepstakes, including the Rays, A's, and Yankees.

Other Rockies' items

Garrett Atkins continues to get interest from the AL Central, with teams like the Twins and Indians kicking the tires. The Indians have also talked with the agent for Casey Blake and GM Mark Shapiro said that he doesn't necessarily have to land a third baseman because he could shift Jhonny Peralta to the position.

...Agent Rick Thurman of the Beverly Hills Sports Council reacted angrily to a Rocky Mountain News blog today claiming that he had proposed a four-year, $44-million deal with the New York Mets for closer Brian Fuentes. Thurman called it "a total fabrication." Teams cannot talk money with free agents from other clubs, only about potential roles and fits. The claim that Thurman broke this rule left him furious.

...Colorado is cautiously encouraged by the progress of left-handed starter Franklin Morales. He's pitching in Venezuela for Caracas. In his last start, his fastball sat between 90 and 94 miles per hour, according to O'Dowd. He didn't walk a batter. "I would rather have that, than 94 to 98 with no command." O'Dowd reiterated that Morales, Jason Hirsh and Greg Reynolds will be guaranteed nothing this spring.

Lockheed says object part of 'sensor technology' testing that ended ThursdayWhat the heck is that thing? It's fair to assume that question was on the minds of many people who traveled along Colo. 128 south of Boulder this week if they happened to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a large, silver projectile perched alongside the highway and pointed north toward town.

PARIS (AP) — Bye, New York! Ciao, Milan! Bonjour, Paris! The world's largest traveling circus of fashion editors, models, buyers and journalists has descended on the French capital, clutching their metro maps and city guides, to cap the ready-to-wear fashion season. Full Story